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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block 2019: courtyard reveals

Today’s wrap up of last night’s courtyard reveals comes to you from our friends at The Block Shop!

MITCH AND MARK: 2nd PLACE
SCORE: 29/30

Mitch and Mark once again brought the ‘wow factor’ to their latest space, producing a drop dead gorgeous Palm Springs-inspired outdoor courtyard that was light, bright, fresh, and — most importantly — fun. The hero was undoubtedly that amazing floor-to-ceiling outdoor wallpaper, which featured the enormous palm trees and breeze blocks synonymous with America’s desert design hotspot.


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TESS AND LUKE: LAST PLACE
SCORE: 24.5/30

Tess and Luke continued their dramatic, almost monochromatic, look in their courtyard space, producing a gorgeous, contemporary area that featured patterned flooring, a black feature wall with gold Rio sculptural feature, gold pots, a large domed hanging heater and black table with timber bench seats. But undoubtedly the main focal point was that absolutely stunning spiral staircase, which all three judges agreed was a stroke of genius.

ANDY AND DEB: JOINT 3rd PLACE
SCORE: 26/30

Andy and Deb managed to create a beautiful, calm “inner city oasis” in their courtyard, which the judges all agreed was a lovely, warm, inviting area.


“This is a chilled space. I feel like I’m right at home here,” said Darren upon stepping into the walled-off courtyard, which featured timber feature walls, vertical garden details, a timber bench seat, circular coffee table and a large patch of artificial turf – perfect for buyers who might have a woofy little friend in tow.

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EL’ISE AND MATT: JOINT 3rd PLACE
SCORE: 26/30

El’ise and Matt managed to create a beautiful, tranquil space in their courtyard, which the judges agreed provided a lovely respite from the busy streets of St Kilda outside. They managed to do this by incorporating a stunning stone feature wall – designed to match their gorgeous feature fireplace inside – a timber bench seat, large statement pots, hanging pendant lights and a black wire table and chair set. But it was the bamboo garden feature that won over the judges the most.

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JESSE AND MEL: 1st PLACE
SCORE: 29.5/30

It wasn’t just Jesse and Mel’s eight-metre high tiled feature wall that scored them a win for Courtyard Week. In terms of form and function, the couple absolutely knocked it out of the park. “This is spectacular,” Neale said, upon stepping foot inside the striking space, which also featured statement sconce lighting, a timber BBQ and bar fridge, large timber seating area – complete with bespoke upholstery – and a huge timber table and black chairs.

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Categories
DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to seal pavers to keep them looking their best

We recently replaced our ancient old patio and made over our backyard with some beautiful EuroStone pavers from Adbri Masonry. And I learned the hard way, the importance of looking after them properly to keep them looking as good as the day they were laid! A few dropped icy poles and barbecue drips later, my beautiful patio was looking a little bit rough around the edges. This is when I remembered someone mentioning they could be sealed; something I’d neglected to get done. The good news is, you can do this easily yourself. I’ve now done it (all by myself!), so I can testify.

Photo by Jacqui Turk

Adbri have so many great DIY videos on their website, starring their ambassador, TV landscaper Jason Hodges. He’ll even show you how to lay your own pavers, but we felt this was a bit beyond our skills (or lack thereof!) and paid some experts to do it. This next video shows how easy it is to seal your own pavers, which is what I wish I’d done straight away.

Luckily, things hadn’t got too bad for my patio and after giving the stains a good scrub with a specialist paver and concrete cleaner, I was able to seal them. I chose a wet-look sealer because I thought it would be nice to bring out the exposed aggregate in the pavers a bit more. Probably the hardest part about sealing pavers is waiting for the right weather; not too hot and not likely to rain for a while, because you need two coats, whichever product you choose to use. You need to apply the sealer to dry pavers and then allow drying time between coats.

I used Berger Jet Dry Active Clean and Berger Jet Dry Stone & Paving Sealer Wet Look, which I bought at my local Bunnings. I used a short nap (4mm) roller (as per the directions on the can) on a pole. Each brand’s product will have slightly different application instructions.

Nothing a bit of elbow grease won’t fix!
Clean and ready to seal!

It really didn’t take long and it isn’t hard work. And once the second coat was complete, and dry, I really liked the slight sheen it gave and the way it brought out the look of the aggregates a bit more. It was a subtle change aesthetically though, and more about protecting them so they’ll stay looking good.

AFTER sealing they look slightly darker with a slight sheen and the aggregates a bit more obvious

I feel such a relief now I know it’s done and we can enjoy the rest of the sunny weather outside without stressing over every bit of dropped food (hello, toddler!).

My biggest advice though, is to do this as soon as your pavers are laid so they are still in 100% perfect condition.

There you go: I hope you’ll learn from my mistake and look after your pavers!

For more on Adbri Masonry.

For more on my reno.

Categories
Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Pre-patterned pavers: A cost-efficient way to add style to your backyard

Landscape design is on the up! Long gone are basic backyards with overgrown weeds, now outdoor spaces are a big part of the home; a place to relax, work and entertain.

A great way to update your garden on the cheap is with pre-patterned pavers. Subtle and stylish, they add a creative element to your outdoor space and a modern texture underfoot that needs little styling.

Available from Boral, the Cloisters range is offered in a pack of three unpatterned pavers and one patterned paver with geometric lines, to add instant dimension and visual interest. The large format pavers are available in Ivory and Slate Grey, which are ideal for creating a minimalist space that is easy to decorate and update as the seasons change. These tones provide a perfect base for bright cushions or soft outdoor lighting.

The Cloisters range also includes pavers for steps and garden edging for a complete outdoor and garden design.

For more information on Boral’s paving range.